Idaho® Potato and Chicken Gumbo

Recipe courtesy of Zale Lipshy University Hospital in Dallas, Texas.

Recipe Ingredients:

6 tablespoons Brown Roux (recipe follows)
1 1/2 cups Idaho® potatoes, peeled and shredded
1 cup diced yellow onion
1 cup diced yellow, red and green peppers
1 cup diced celery
1 tablespoon minced garlic
2 pounds cooked chicken meat, pulled (shredded)
2 tablespoons Creole seasoning (recipe follows)

8 cups Idaho® potatoes, cubed and sautéed for accompaniment

Brown Roux:
8 ounces (1 cup) butter
8 ounces (2 cups) all-purpose flour

Creole Seasoning:
2 tablespoons paprika
1 tablespoon salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon ground white pepper
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried basil

Cooking Directions:

1. For Gumbo: In a large stockpot, bring the chicken stock to a boil. Temper approximately 6 tablespoons of Brown Roux into the broth (add 1/2 cup of hot broth to the roux and mix completely. Add the broth and roux mixture back into the boiling broth and whisk).
2. Add potato. Simmer for 12 minutes. Add the onion, peppers, celery, garlic, and chicken pieces.
3. Add Creole seasoning. Taste and adjust seasoning, if desired. Continue to cook for another 10 minutes (the vegetables should be cooked, but still firm).
4. To Serve: Ladle gumbo over sautéed potatoes.
5. For Oven Method Brown Roux: Slowly brown the flour on a sheet pan at 300°F (150°C) about 20 to 30 minutes. Stir the mixture halfway through (about 10 to 15 minutes) to achieve an even browning. The flour should be a light khaki color and will smell like roasted nuts.
6. For Stovetop Method Brown Roux: Cook the flour and the butter over medium-high heat until a brown, smooth consistency occurs (about 5 to 6 minutes). Once the roux has cooled, cover and leave unrefrigerated until needed. Later, if any oil has separated from the roux, simply stir the oil into the mixture.
7. For Creole Seasoning: Combine all ingredients and mix thoroughly. May be stored in a tightly covered container. Makes 1/4 cup.

Makes 10 servings.

Recipe and photograph courtesy of the Idaho Potato Commission.